Committed to a brighter future for children, neighbors and communities.

We consider a healthy neighborhood to be one that is safe, clean, and diverse; one in which it makes economic sense for people to invest and one where neighbors manage change successfully.

We consider a healthy neighborhood to be one that is safe, clean, and diverse; one in which it makes economic sense for people to invest and one where neighbors manage change successfully.

A Voice in the Process

by: Josh Caballero

Everyone likes to feel included. Whether it’s being a part of the team or just  being in the know for an inside joke, we all enjoy when we’re a part of something. But sometimes, being a part of something is about more than just belonging, it’s about having a voice in the process.

A few months ago, a new sign popped up in the neighborhood that made several residents feel like they weren’t a part of important decisions being made in their community. The sign read 18th Street Liquor Store and for many residents, seeing this felt like years of previous efforts to improve their neighborhood were erased by a single crane lifting the sign upon the new storefront. Perhaps underscoring this even more was the fact that residents were not informed about the new development. There wasn’t a public notification sent out, there was no warning from the City, or any indication of what the business might be. Residents were excluded from the decision-making process.

However, one thing I’ve learned from residents in North Waco, is that they continuously show up for one another and their community. Almost immediately after the sign went up, we started receiving calls and emails at our office from residents raising concerns about the new development. After hosting a zoom meeting with over a dozen residents, it became clear that they wanted to let their voices be heard. They began a letter writing campaign to let TABC know about their concerns surrounding the new store and reached out to their neighbors to do the same. They reached out to city officials and their city council representative to express their concerns about the notification process. Since then, over 30 letters from residents have been sent to the local TABC office, editorials have been written in the paper, and the City has implemented a new process to ensure residents are notified of development like this in the future and are allowed an opportunity to have their voices heard.

This is what it looks like for neighbors to work together to raise their voices. This is what it means to belong to a community.

Share This Story:
Grassroots Community Development
Grassroots Community Development3 days ago
"One year later, we have once again entered a season of joyful anticipation. Tis the season for great expectations and the fulfillment of promises. I have seen many seeds planted this year, new projects started and community-led actions initiated. With joyful anticipation, I look forward to seeing these ideas and efforts in their completed states, new assets in the communities we serve."

In the spirit of celebrating community, come celebrate with us at our Christmas Party today! Stop by for yummy treats and festive cheer!

Read our latest blog post here: https://grassrootswaco.org/blog/tis-the-season

#wacononprofit #grassrootswaco #celebratingcommunity #tistheseason #communityevents
Grassroots Community Development
Grassroots Community Development5 days ago
We are so excited to see you this Tuesday for our annual Grassroots Community Christmas Party! Stop by our office anytime between 4 and 6 pm for some yummy treats and festive cheer!
Grassroots Community Development
Grassroots Community Development1 week ago
We can’t wait to see you next Tuesday for our annual Grassroots Community Christmas Party! Stop by our office between 4 and 6pm for some yummy treats and festive cheer!
Grassroots Community Development
Grassroots Community Development2 weeks ago
This Thanksgiving, we are grateful for you and your support that has helped us stay rooted in the community over the past 20 years. Happy Thanksgiving from the entire Grassroots team!
Grassroots Community Development
Grassroots Community Development
Grassroots Community Development2 weeks ago
Here is a look at our holiday hours this week. We will be fully open again on Monday, November 27th. Happy Thanksgiving!